To the Honble the Council of the State of the Massachusetts Bay —
The Petition of Capt John De Silver

Humbly Sheweth

That your petr. arrived in Boston from Martinico in the Schooner "L'amiable felicite" having a french bottom & belonging to said Martini co — That he brot with him forty five hogsheads of Molasses twenty five Hogsheads & twenty five barrells of Sugar twenty seven barrells of Coffee thirteen barrells of Cocoa fifteen Cases of Liquor, twelve boxes of Soap, Nineteen Cases of Wine three Tierces Rum four Casks Burdo. Wine fifty six Hankers Brandy twenty four pieces Sail Duck, twelve pieces of light Duck one bale Checks, twelve Small Arms twelve Kegs of Glaz'd Powder 600 Bullets, Six Swivel Guns and Eight pieces of Ozanbrigs -That your petrs. Vessel now lays at Newbury Port, where he has been Loading her with Lumber and other Articles the produce of this Country, and was just ready for Sailing having all his hands and every thing ready, when he was informed, that there was an Embargo laid by the Gen! Court of this State, and told that he could not depart without leave from your Honors.

That the only reason of his coming to New England was that he might bring them a Supply. and have the priviledge of having in return a Cargo of their produce And if he should be stoped it would be a great Damage to himself & the other French Owners in Martinico

He Therefore humbly prays your Honors would.be pleased to grant that he may have leave to depart with his Vessel and Cargo to sd Martinico.

And as in duty bound shall ever pray &c

[Endorsed] In Council [Boston] Dec. 16t 1776 Read and Ordered that the Prayer of the Said Petition be granted and that the Petitioner have and he hereby has Liberty to proceed to Martinico with his Said Schr L'amiable Felicite the Embargo Notwithstanding —

John Avery Dpy Secy